Marilyn's Medical Needs
Donation protected
Hi, my name is Marilyn. I'm 69 years old and I've been diagnosed with conjunctive melanoma (a rare form of cancer of the eye.) My oncologist said that this cancer is inoperable.
The expenses associated with my condition are overwhelming and seem totally insurmountable. For starters, there are copays for doctors. There's transportation to the hospital, and there are copays for lab tests and imaging (like PET or CT scans).
Most expensive of all are the chemotherapy eye drops--$387.64 for every two-week supply!! My insurance does not cover the chemotherapy because the eye drops are specially compounded, made in only one facility, and made out of multiple components. But I need the chemotherapy desperately in order to survive. The doctor, who just prescribed a six-week supply, says I will be on these eye drops permanently (or at least for the very foreseeable future.)
I'm scared because I finished my first two-week supply on Wed January 4, 2017. Now, I am using outdated eye drops and only have enough left for a few days.
I am applying to many organizations that help cancer patients, and the outcome is pending. It is unclear how much they have available and how much they will be able to give me. Two of them already told me that it is not their policy to directly help out with the kind of chemotherapy eye drops that I take.
What makes things even harder and more agonizing, I am taking care of my six-year-old grandson, whom I love as much as a son. I have cared for him since his birth in every capacity. He's the cutest kid--smart, funny, and totally the apple of my eye. Sometimes, he puts his arm around me and says he wants to take care of me. But obviously, a child can't take care of a grown-up. More than anything else, I have to take care of him! He relies on me and I am a source of stability in his life. He cries and says, "Please stay with me forever. I love you." He has started to have nightmares about losing me.
My husband is the primary income provider in our home. He is 61 years old and in poor health. I have also been on Social Security disability for many years, due to other serious health problems, but (as mentioned) my huge medical expenses aren't covered, and we were falling short of our needs even before this cancer hit.
I've just told you about my medical and financial problems. Now I would like to tell you a little more about myself as a person. I love animals. I used to have a dog who felt like a member of the family. I've had birds and I've taken care of them like family also. If I see a stranger in need, I always try to help them, even though my own funds are limited. My heart can't bear to see someone who is suffering. I enjoy writing, especially poetry. I used to be in the textile business before I went on disability, and I enjoyed creating beautiful textile designs. I love the beauty in the world. I love people who bring that beauty forth.
Being given a diagnosis such as this is unimaginable. In just one minute, everything changes. I am terrified of what the future will bring for myself, and for my family. I am turning to you to ask for whatever help you can offer. There are no words to express the anguish I'm going through, and no words to express my gratitude to you for your generosity and open-heartedness.
Many people have urged me to "think positive." I am trying my best to do so. People like you make it easier for me to remember how much good and how many blessings there are in the world. More than anything else, I want to live and to give back to all those who will help me.
The expenses associated with my condition are overwhelming and seem totally insurmountable. For starters, there are copays for doctors. There's transportation to the hospital, and there are copays for lab tests and imaging (like PET or CT scans).
Most expensive of all are the chemotherapy eye drops--$387.64 for every two-week supply!! My insurance does not cover the chemotherapy because the eye drops are specially compounded, made in only one facility, and made out of multiple components. But I need the chemotherapy desperately in order to survive. The doctor, who just prescribed a six-week supply, says I will be on these eye drops permanently (or at least for the very foreseeable future.)
I'm scared because I finished my first two-week supply on Wed January 4, 2017. Now, I am using outdated eye drops and only have enough left for a few days.
I am applying to many organizations that help cancer patients, and the outcome is pending. It is unclear how much they have available and how much they will be able to give me. Two of them already told me that it is not their policy to directly help out with the kind of chemotherapy eye drops that I take.
What makes things even harder and more agonizing, I am taking care of my six-year-old grandson, whom I love as much as a son. I have cared for him since his birth in every capacity. He's the cutest kid--smart, funny, and totally the apple of my eye. Sometimes, he puts his arm around me and says he wants to take care of me. But obviously, a child can't take care of a grown-up. More than anything else, I have to take care of him! He relies on me and I am a source of stability in his life. He cries and says, "Please stay with me forever. I love you." He has started to have nightmares about losing me.
My husband is the primary income provider in our home. He is 61 years old and in poor health. I have also been on Social Security disability for many years, due to other serious health problems, but (as mentioned) my huge medical expenses aren't covered, and we were falling short of our needs even before this cancer hit.
I've just told you about my medical and financial problems. Now I would like to tell you a little more about myself as a person. I love animals. I used to have a dog who felt like a member of the family. I've had birds and I've taken care of them like family also. If I see a stranger in need, I always try to help them, even though my own funds are limited. My heart can't bear to see someone who is suffering. I enjoy writing, especially poetry. I used to be in the textile business before I went on disability, and I enjoyed creating beautiful textile designs. I love the beauty in the world. I love people who bring that beauty forth.
Being given a diagnosis such as this is unimaginable. In just one minute, everything changes. I am terrified of what the future will bring for myself, and for my family. I am turning to you to ask for whatever help you can offer. There are no words to express the anguish I'm going through, and no words to express my gratitude to you for your generosity and open-heartedness.
Many people have urged me to "think positive." I am trying my best to do so. People like you make it easier for me to remember how much good and how many blessings there are in the world. More than anything else, I want to live and to give back to all those who will help me.
Organizer
marilyn Elaine Karter-Walicki
Organizer
Brooklyn, NY
